Kid's Story (2003)

A teenager's dreams which conclude with him falling off a building, lead him to believe that the reality he lives in, may not be so real after all.

Director:

Shinichirô Watanabe

Writers:

Lana Wachowski (story), Andy Wachowski (story),

Stars:

Clayton Watson, Keanu Reeves, Carrie-Anne Moss

Cast

Credited cast:
Clayton Watson	...	Michael Karl Popper (The Kid) (voice)
Keanu Reeves	...	Neo (voice)
Carrie-Anne Moss	...	Trinity (voice)
John DeMita	...	Teacher (voice)
Kevin Michael Richardson	...	Cop (voice) (as Kevin M. Richardson)
James Arnold Taylor	...	Miscellaneous Voices (voice)
Rest of cast listed alphabetically:
Hiroaki Hirata	...	(voice)
Hikaru Midorikawa	...	(voice)
Fumihiko Tachiki	...	(voice)
Hiromi Tsuru	...	(voice)
Yûsaku Yara	...	(voice)

Storyline

A teenager has dreams of falling that feel more real than his actual life. He turns to the internet for answers and receives some cryptic replies via his PC. In school his mobile phone rings despite being turned off, he answers to be told by Neo that "they know you know and are coming for you". The kid looks out the window to see men in dark suits coming for him and immediately flees on his skateboard.

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Plot Keywords:

dream | skateboard | school | high school | chase | 

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Genres:

Animation | Sci-Fi | Short

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Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

2 June 2003 (UK)

Also Known As:

The Animatrix: Kid's Story

Company Credits

Production Co:

Studio 4°C

Technical Specs

Runtime:

15 min

Color:

Color

Did You Know?

Goofs

During the first part of the short, where Mr. Popper is typing, his keystrokes are inconsistent with what appears of the screen.

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Connections

Referenced in The Matrix Reloaded (2003)

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Soundtracks

"MASTERS OF THE UNIVERSE"
Written by Johann Bley, Mabi Thobejane and Ben Watkins
Performed by Juno Reactor
Courtesy of Melt 2000/Sound Reproductions Ltd., Jersey, C.I., G.B.

User Reviews

The best Animatrix short by far - absolutely stunning!

The Animatrix is a very entertaining, very interesting experience. But of all the short movies, this is simply the best.

What makes it so obviously superior? Is it the swishy-swooshy animation that is incredibly alive and dynamic? Is it the constant mood of bewilderment that seeps through the entire movie? Is it the subtle, yet suitable score? Or is it the story about the most exceptional character in the matrix universe so far?

Yup, thats what the story is about - in my eyes. It's not about Neo or Morpheus or Trinity or any of the other cool people we already know (though Neo and Trinity cameo) - it's about the least likely character, the annoying side kick from Reloaded who made some of the Zion scenes so awkward. Watch "Reloaded" without seeing this first, and you may not like his character, or his very presence in the movie, one little bit (I did not). Yet this touching short movie shows a totally different side to him, and hints quite strongly at a powerful relevance for the matrix universe - even if that is not capitalized upon in Reloaded or Revolutions, this character and his unique story have the potential of an own spin-off. Why? Well I won't spoil it, but the ending of the short is quite powerful, creating the ideal finale for a perfect short animated movie.

Stunning, absolutely stunning, and easily the best matrix-related merchandise you are likely to see this year!

10/10